From walk-ins to pre-paid packages: 12 of the best pubs to watch the 2022 AFL Grand Final

• Five of the best corner pubs to watch the footy in

Whether you're planning to wing it on the day, or fancy unlimited food and drink and view of the big screen guaranteed, Melbourne's pubs are putting on a good show for AFL grand final day Saturday September 24. Choose your team, get aboard that bandwagon and get booking.

Garden State Hotel, CBD
If you haven't snagged a booking yet, Garden State's public bar is opening for walk-ins only from 10am on the big day. Or make an occasion of it with a grand experience in the Beer Garden and Rose Garden. Graze on roaming nibbles and enjoy a four hour drinks package from 12-4pm while watching the game on the big screen ($125pp).
101 Flinders Ln, Melbourne gardenstatehotel.com.au

The Duke of Wellington, CBD
If you can't get a ticket to the big dance at the MCG, watch it close by at Melbourne's oldest pub, the Duke. Get into the spirit with a pre-game feed, you get a classic pub meal and two drinks for $59pp (a la carte available for kids) or settle in for the big dance with the great value Grand Final Footy pack - you get a classic pub meal, two drinks, three quarter time snacks and a seat to watch the game for $60pp. Bookings essential.
146 Flinders St, Melbourne dukeofwellington.com.au

The Exchange Hotel, Port Melbourne
There's plenty to get around at the Exchange, including the Grand Final Day package which includes a jug of beer on arrival, a footy snack board at half time (pies, wedges, chips, chicken tenders and veg option) for just $40pp, minimum of two people.There's also $20 chicken parmas from siren to siren and music after the game to get down and celebrate (or commiserate) to.
39 Bay Street, Port Melbourne theexchangehotel.net.au

Prince Alfred Hotel, Richmond
If you're lucky enough to snag a ticket to the game, meet your mates beforehand for drinks at PAs from 9am. They'll be limited room for walk-ins on the day too and the game blasting loud and live from lots of screens.
619 Church St, Richmond princealfredhotel.com.au

Village Belle, St Kilda
The St Kilda pub is putting on a bottomless package which includes three hours of drinks from siren to siren, roaming footy snacks and bar seating and standing room in the balcony bar for $79pp. It's first in best dressed for seats though, so get there early or wear comfy shoes.
202 Barkly Street, St Kilda villagebelle.com.au

Abbots Yard, Abbotsford
It'll be a real party atmosphere in Victoria street on that last Saturday in September, with the outdoor venue installing a massive purpose-built screen for the big game. Enjoy live entertainment, all the footy action live and loud, drinks and snacks in a family and pet-friendly surrounds. Entry is free but register beforehand.
329 Victoria St, Abbotsford instagram.com/abbots.yard

Crafty Squire, CBD
​Settle in for an afternoon of James Squire beers, selected wines and spirits while you cheer at the big screen at the Crafty Squire, who are putting on siren to siren drinks, a choice of a classic pub meal and three quarter time snacks all with change from a hundo ($95pp).
127 Russell St, Melbourne thecraftysquire.com.au

College Lawn Hotel, Prahran
It's all happening at the sprawling College Lawn on grand final day, with more than 20 screens and plenty of room for walk-ins on the day. Bookings also available.
36 Greville St, Prahran collegelawnhotel.com.au

The Plough, Footscray
Pull up a pew at the popular Plough on grand final day, where the footy will be live and loud on four screens, with $9 pints, food specials and good times guaranteed (unless your team loses, that is).
333 Barkly St, Footscray ploughhotel.com.au